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When to Plant Cucumber in Okeechobee County, FL

Cucumbers are a warm-season vine crop available in slicing and pickling varieties. They are prolific producers when given warmth, moisture, and a trellis to climb.

Okeechobee County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 25 and the first fall frost is December 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 329 days.

At an elevation of 139 feet, Okeechobee County receives approximately 49.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 101ยฐF, so Cucumber may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Cucumber will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.

Okeechobee County, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
329 days
Last Spring Frost January 25
329 growing days
First Fall Frost December 20

Okeechobee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.2-5.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (204 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 22 Transplant: Jan 26 🍅 Harvest: Mar 23 – May 18
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (210 days to spare)
Start indoors: Dec 28 Transplant: Feb 1 🍅 Harvest: Mar 29 – May 24
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (188 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 24 Transplant: Feb 28 🍅 Harvest: Apr 25 – Jun 20

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.6″/week
You supply
1.6″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 4,648 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Cucumber needs ~1,545 GDD — county provides 8,497 GDD Excellent fit

Cucumber Planting Timeline โ€” Okeechobee County, FL

Cucumber Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 28 Dec 28 โ€“ Jan 11
Transplant Outdoors February 1 Feb 1 โ€“ Feb 15
Direct Sow January 25 Jan 25 โ€“ Feb 15
Harvest March 29 Mar 29 โ€“ May 24

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 24" apart ยท Rows 48" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Harvest
April Harvest
May Harvest
June โ€”
July โ€”
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December Start Indoors

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

High โ€” keep soil consistently moist

Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 9b

Growing Season

329 days

Growing Tips for Okeechobee County

Direct sow after last frost or start indoors 3 weeks early. Provide a trellis for vining types to save space and improve air circulation. Harvest frequently to encourage production.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes
  • Sage

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Cucumber in Okeechobee County, FL?

Okeechobee County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of January 25. Plan your Cucumber planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Okeechobee County, FL?

Okeechobee County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 25 and first fall frost is December 20.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Okeechobee County gardeners in Zone 9b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Okeechobee County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.